Germany says it will keep using Russian energy for now: 'We have to be patient'

Germany's finance minister has asked for patience as the country is moving as fast as possible to steer away from Russian energy.

German finance minister Christian Lindner told the BBC that they have to be patient.

Lindner said that they are willing to stop all energy imports from Russia.

Germany is under pressure to cut Russian energy from its economy because of the war in Ukraine. Germany buys 25% of its oil and 40% of its natural gas from the energy powerhouse.

There are fears that the economy of Europe could be devastated by an immediate ban.

I don't fear the economic costs of buying less Russian energy. Lindner said that if you have to stop the supply for a complete production line, it will cause more than economic costs.

He told the media outlet that it was better to have sanctions, which could last for months.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday that the country will stop buying Russian oil by the end of the year.

According to a report, Baerbock said that Germany is also phasing out Russian energy imports.

We will reduce oil production by the summer and then gas by the end of the year in a joint European plan.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said earlier this month that Germany could end Russian oil imports this year.